@cbike6961 Thanks for reaching out!. Pros: Supremely comfortable, durable Our editors have been testing this sleeping pad since it came out in 2015, and as of 2020, it’s still going strong having never sprung a leak! Cons: Not insulated, long-term durability. This pad is a little heavy and large for the backpack, but it crosses well between car camping and backpacking. This makes it light, durable, and less prone to stretching. As a final alternative and for a moderate boost in cushioning, Sea to Summit’s Comfort Plus SI below is 3 inches thick, albeit for $60 more and with a smaller sleeping platform. Thickness: 4.75″ Four inches of air and engineered foam provide plenty of cushioning for a good night’s sleep. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. 3.69 lbs. When comfort is your main concern, the MegaMat is your answer. 9 oz. Test Results: Backpackers, celebrate: You can have durability and carry it, too. Pros: Warm, light, packs small Cons: Not as comfortable as other sleeping pads. And it was nice not to worry about plugging in a pump. In general, you’ll want a sleeping pad with a value greater than 5 for comfortable winter camping. R-value: 2 Pros: Extremely warm, thick, comfortable As a general guideline for 3-season use, we recommend a rating between 2.5 and 4. For backpacking, the Exped Downmat has an R-value of 8 while still weighing a reasonable 1 pound 15 ounces. Pros: Warm, thick, comfortable While many pads feature separate valves for inflation and deflation, the REI Camp Bed Dreamer XL has a valve that flips from one mode to the next. REI Co-op Trailbreak Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad. Self-inflating foam pads: These have open-cell foam insulation for warmth and padding, plus air inflation to enhance cushioning. This will allow it to expand and prepare it for self-inflation. R-value: 10.6 Turn one direction to open it for inflation, and (quickly!) That’s good bang for your buck. A comfortable, lightweight, and versatile sleeping pad that has withstood the test of time: Ideal for folks who think sleeping pads cannot provide mega comfort; prove them wrong: Ready for all adventures, this versatile model doesn't disappoint: Rating Categories: REI Co-op Flash Thermal: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite They layered it on another mattress to double the warmth rating, accordioned it on its side to create a windbreak for their stoves and laid it on the beach in lieu of a towel. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT comes with an inflation bag integrated into the stuff sack, as does the Kelty Tru.Comfort Camp Bed. But with the foam construction and a 75-denier polyester bottom, this pad is truly built to withstand camping outside. Buy here. And while there isn’t a single camping pad that will suit everyone out there, we’ve broken them up into categories to help you find the right camp pad for you. At 7 inches thick, it provides a good amount of cushion and is also conveniently higher off the ground, which is great for people with knee issues or mobility concerns. Cons: Large packed size, not as warm as the MondoKing 3D. This mat doesn’t pack down super small, comes with a hefty price tag, and is heavy at 7 pounds 10 ounces, but it offers unrivaled warmth and comfort. 10 oz. The Trailbreak’s torso length is adjusted by moving the shoulder pads up or down to lengthen or reduce the distance between the hip belt and the yoke which c… Read more…, Whether you're looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or stick to a tight budget, we've found the best backpacking tents of 2020. The REI Trailbreak 60 is an adjustable-length backpack, which means that it can be adjusted to fit a wide range of torso lengths ranging from 17″ up to 21″. turn the other to close and trap air inside. Things she does not like: rock climbing. It’s the same easy-to-use Therm-a-Rest valves we’ve reliably used for years, except greatly improved. It packs down smaller than a roll of paper towels and weighs a little over a pound. The horizontal core foam is designed to pack up easily and (as you can see in the above image) gives a bit of baffling to the mattress. “Not only am I a generally cold sleeper, but I also have Raynaud’s, so brisk weather at camp is my nemesis,” explains one Colorado tester. The R-value you need depends a bit on if you tend to be a warm or cool sleeper. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938.Read our story, Join the REI Co-op community to get an annual dividend, access exclusives and give back. No wonder you regularly see it listed among thru-hikers’ favorite pieces of gear. In the end, we boiled their notes and insights into this guide, which includes options for both backpacking and car-camping. Read on for the most important factors in choosing a camping pad. With an R-value of 6.8, it will keep even cold sleepers warm all summer long. You can inflate the pad by mouth, but that’s a rather slow process. Cons: Heavy, larger packed size. Best Sleeping Pad for Car Camping. Depending on your sleep warmth, this could be a year-round sleeping pad with an R-value of 3.2, but most will prefer something more insulated in winter. In general, the pole works well, but none of the features are very well refined. Thickness: 4″ The included battery-operated pump makes quick work of inflation, and the wide opening makes deflation just as easy. Cons: Not as thick as other car camping mattresses, See the REI Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad. You can speed up the process by blowing into the open valve to inflate the sleeping pad. 6 oz. What is surprising is that this particular one—the NEMO Switchback—is comfortable to boot. In the face of so much drama plaguing 2020, America prepares to welcome its newest national park — and the first in West Virginia. The REI Trailbreak 60 is an adjustable-length backpack capable that has enough capacity for multi-day backpacking trips. Luckily, brands are taking note and making quieter sleeping pads. A warm, self-inflating sleep pad that's cushy enough for nights in the campground, the REI Co-op Trailbreak sleeping pad is light enough that you won't mind carrying it in your pack, either. R-value: 6.6 “I used this on a fast-and-light desert mission, and I barely noticed I was carrying it,” said one tester after a week-long trip through Utah’s San Rafael Swell. The higher the denier, the thicker and stronger the fabric. At $210, it falls in between the two in price, matches them in comfort, and beats them in warmth. In general, the thicker the pad the more comfortable it is. Nevertheless, the Trailbreak 30 is perhaps the least expensive sleeping that we would recommend for backpacking. 10 oz. If you want something that rivals the comfort of the NEMO Roamer but clocks in a few dollars less, this is the pad for you. Some camping mattresses pop up in the middle when filled, but thanks to 3D construction, this bad boy stays flat even when fully inflated and being slept on. There’s often a trade-off between durability and weight. If you use a less-insulated pad at colder temps, your sleeping bag might not live up to its temperature rating. Instead of the standard PVC, this inflatable mattress is made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). R-value: Unavailable If you’re a side sleeper, you understand the need for plenty of cushioning under your hips and shoulders. Learn more and join us, Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details, Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT. If you fill it up firm, though, it doesn’t make much noise. Weight: 9 lbs. The length and width you need depend not only on your dimensions but also on your camping goals. Best Sleeping Pad for Fast-and-Light Backpacking. The height and larger surface kept me dry and warm even over wet ground.”. Many backpackers cut closed-cell foam pads down to a smaller size in order to ruthlessly slash weight or to create a sit pad. Durable, comfortable, and stable: This is the ultimate double sleeping pad. Also, the tapered shape (which keeps the ProLite light and packable) means that one foot will often slide off the pad, especially if you’re taller. And having your tentmate toss and turn all night is even worse. At 2.5 pounds, the Trailbreak is the heaviest pad in our test. Lightspeed Outdoors Queen-Size Air Mattress: Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow, Jumpstart Summer: Save Up to 40% During Backcountry’s Sale. Size affects weight, of course, and, if you’re looking at an extra-wide and/or long pad, you should double check the dimensions of your tent to make sure it fits inside OK. Therm-a-Rest, REI, Sea-to-Summit, NEMO, Exped, and Big Agnes has released air mattresses and sleeping pads with the new R-values. And we know some tiny testers who prefer a wide sleeping pad because they like the ability to roll around in their sleep. Vertical sidewalls create a flat sleeping surface, and we especially like that this pad can be soft inflated. Instead, we recommend you use the included Schnozzel Pump Bag, which also doubles as a dry sack. Cons: Long-term durability concerns, less comfortable than other mattresses, See the Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad. © 2020 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. From ultralight sleeping pads to ultra-comfortable air beds, we tested and found the best camping sleeping pads to fit every adventure and budget. The self-inflating ProLite is more resistant to popping and leaking than a standard air pad, and its T-shirt-soft, 50-denier polyester cover withstands rough-and-tumble excursions. But this has a built-in redundancy that saves us from stress. If you plan to hike into the backcountry, a pad that packs down small and weighs less is ideal. As with the Therm-a-Rest ProLite, getting this self-inflating pad sleep-ready is easy on the lungs. And this balance depends largely on the individual. Will you be driving up to a camp spot, hiking a mile or so in, or heading out on a weeklong backpacking trip? You get a lot for your money with the MegaMat and while it will certainly keep you warm with an R-value of 9.5, its only downfall is the issue of practicality and weight. It doesn’t pack down small, but if comfort is what you’re after, the REI Kingdom delivers. But instead of having to blow into it, you can use the included mini pump. It also includes a repair kit should you ever get a tear (though we’ve found it impressively durable). The most common complaint about lightweight backpacking sleeping pads is the loud, crinkly noise. Air pads are prone to making loud, crinkly sounds when you move around, which some people—and their tent mates—find annoying. REI doesn’t elaborate on the Denier thickness of its shell (or lining). To learn more about pad warmth ratings and get a look at how bags and pads work in tandem to keep you toasty, read the Sleep System section of How to Choose a Sleeping Pad. They slept in the sand in Utah, shivered through wind gusts in Alaska and sweltered during the muggiest of nights in upstate New York. Cons: Not as warm or comfortable as other camping mattresses. With an R-value of 10.6, it’s at the top of the heap for warmth. It’s also available in a large version, which retails for $225 and weighs in at 12 ounces. 9 oz. The result: satisfied (and lazy) testers. Thickness: 6″ R-value: Unavailable Thankfully, this year’s crop of budget-friendly sleeping pads proves you can enjoy a night’s rest at a sliver of the price. Fill Water-resistant polyester New for 2020, Therm-a-Rest backpacking sleeping pads feature the WingLock Valve. The 75-denier fabric is laminated for extra strength. The contraption is extremely handy, weighs next to nothing (2.9 ounces), and significantly speeds up the process of inflating the pad.”, Weight: 2 lbs. Cons: Expensive, large packed size, heavy, Designed for car campers, Exped made a sleeping pad you will dream about while fast asleep on it. Pros: Warm, thick, comfortable One editor dubbed it plush enough for back or stomach sleeping, “and when folded back on itself, it’s the comfiest sit pad I’ve ever used,” she says. “I flipped sides while sleeping, and the UberLite was worlds quieter than the XLite, something tentmates and campsite neighbors will appreciate. It provides unmatched durability and extra insulation needed for a good night’s rest. Weight: 14 oz. They cowboy camped in Utah’s desert, backpacked in Glacier National Park, posted up in rustic backcountry lean-tos in New York’s Adirondacks and yes, threw down in their backyards—all in the name of gear testing. Or scroll down to continue reading the full 2020 camp sleeping pad review. The REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating is a tried-and-true sleeping pad that has stood the test of time, providing warmth and support to sleepy campers at a great price. Make the most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure. Car camping offers a lot of benefits. Article by Heather Balogh Rochfort. Expect to have to add a few breaths to the pad to top it off. From backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness to overlanding in Apalachicola to camping out across the Rocky Mountains, we’ve logged a lot of hours testing camping pads. And we liked how the one-way valves make quick work of deflating the pad fully when it’s time to pack up camp. The walls help keep you dry in really bad weather. Pros: Dual air chambers provide redundancy and allow for custom firmness, packs down small And while there are thicker pads on this list, we found the Camp Bed to be a top pick thanks to its affordable price, ability to last through years of heavy use, comfort, and soft hand. Self-inflating pads’ warmth comes from the open-cell foam inside. Thickness: 4″ Then let me introduce you to the Camp Dreamer. If you only camp in warmer weather, it’s not worth the price or weight. The flat valves make fast work of inflation and deflation. Read our Best Budget Sleeping Bags to find a match for you pad. Because air can freely move back and forth, you need to either create constant pressure while blowing up or skillfully use your tongue to stop air from exiting the pad while inhaling. If you only plan to sleep outside a weekend or two a year, a cheaper pad may get the job done just fine. R-value: 3.8 Gear Editor Mallory Paige credits a childhood exploring the Rocky Mountains for her love of the outdoors. “I got to camp, let it inflate and sat in the sunshine soaking my feet in the river,” says one such happy camper. “It was ready within five minutes.” Buy here. Closed-cell foam pads: The original backpacking pads, closed-cell foam mattresses still have devotees who revere them for their low prices—compared to other pads—and durability. Cons: Expensive, See the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated. We spent nights with teeth chattering to dust, so hopefully, you won't have to. Its no-frills mummy design includes a roomy foot box for a little extra movement, plus a small pocket near the head for essential small items. R-Value: 6.8 But other backpackers may prefer to give up weight in other areas so they can happily carry a larger, more comfortable sleep pad. REI Co-op Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad. Sleeping on the dirt can be a lot of fun—as long as you have a good sleeping pad. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. If not, it might not do you any good. Then, close the valves and voila, you’re ready for bed. 1.67 kg. At 80 inches tall and 55 inches wide, it’s nearly the same size as a queen-size bed, making it a great choice for couples or family camping. We’ve broken the best backpacking sleeping pads into categories to help you find the right sleeping pad for you. Basically, you just lightly blow into the bag and then squeeze the air into the pad. So I need a cover. But we wouldn’t recommend it unless you only camp in hot weather. For those breaking into backpacking and everything that comes with it, the men's REI Co-op Trailbreak 30 sleeping bag gives the right balance of warmth, packability and weight. Therm-a-Rest improved on the classic ProLite in 2020 with a new valve that makes it easier to set up. Read on to find the ideal, less-than-$100 sleeping pad for you. The wings toggle for one-way inflation, making it far easier to blow up. So you’ll have to decide which factor is most important to you. The REI Co-Op Trailbreak 60 is part of a new line of REI gear that focuses on high quality, sustainable materials, and a lower price point. Best of all, a flap keeps air from escaping during inflation. Secondarily, we looked at durability, value, and noise. And some also come in short, wide, and extra-long varieties. Weight: 15 oz. REI member since 1998. There are plenty of lighter, smaller, more comfortable sleeping bags, but we know of no other that provides the necessary specs for human-powered travel at a lower cost. This self-inflating sleep mat gets high marks for durability and reliability. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Higher R-values are warmer. Have a favorite sleeping pad we missed? The polyester upper has a soft and comfortable fabric feel. At this weight, however, comfort takes a slight hit. Instead of having to choose between poorly inflated or a maxed-out, hard-as-a-rock bed, you can customize a perfectly comfortable sleep scenario. Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? It’s a sturdy and basic air mattress. Thickness: 3.9″ (Note: An inch of cushion likely isn’t enough to support your hips on hard ground if you’re a side sleeper.). But for the price, we wish there was more foam insulation. You can jump straight to the sections for car camping, backpacking, or our buyer’s guide for tips on how to choose a sleeping pad. (I’ve had neighboring campers get up and move in the middle of the night because of the crackling of my XLite.)”. To inflate the 3.5-inch-thick double pad, there’s an inflate valve that you blow into. At 4.75 inches thick, it provides plenty of cushioning and even keeps side sleepers off the ground all night long. And you’ll need to blow up the attached pillow to your desired firmness. The Exped MegaMat 10 is the absolute daddy when it comes to warmth, and is therefore our pick for the best winter sleeping pad.. It’s 6.5ft long, 2.57kg in weight and 10cm thick with a brushed soft fleece surface. The higher the R-value, the more insulating and warmer the sleeping pad will be. I have a Ttrailbreak 60 REI pack and need to know what or which rain cover is best suited for that pack, I also carry a Ridgerest sleeping pad strapped to it so I may or may not be able to get that under that rain cover. The pad is on the heavy side for backpacking, but we’re willing to carry a little extra weight when temps drop low at night. With a whopping 5.1 R-value, the Trailbreak is the warmest sleeping pad in our head-to-head. 60 L. 28 x 13 x 13 in. and is now enjoying introducing her baby girl to all manner of adventure. 14 oz. Or you can use the pump bag that comes integrated into the stuff sack. Adjustable-length backpacks are great for growing teens, people who want to be able to share a pack across family members, or backpacking beginners who want to fine-tune the way a backpack fits. While it’s not ultralight by any means, for the added comfort it offers, this packs down fairly small (about the size of a winter sleeping bag, or 9 x 13 inches). But even more than that, we appreciate gear that performs well and lasts through several seasons of use. 7 oz. These features aside, this pad provides extra insulation for cold nights and is light enough to easily take backpacking. We tallied up the scores, found the averages and presented the best of the best to you in this guide. But the comfort doesn’t come with a size penalty. She recently spent a memorable year motorcycle camping across North America (with her dog!) One Size. Thickness: 4″ We aren’t sold on the utility of the pillow that doubles as a pad pump, but we love the reversible high-flow valves. From temperature ratings to down fill power, sleeping bag specs can get confusing. The included mini-pump can be used to fine-tune the inflation level. But although the quality of the pad itself is acceptable, the attached straps are strangely fragile and prone to breaking off at the rivet. The bottoms of the tents were soaked. First off, we liked the integrated pump bag that’s built into the stuff sack (called the Airstream pump). One of our favorite things about this is the double air chambers. I could sleep on my side at my preferred air pressure without shoulder or hip pain. As one tester noted, “It was just as comfortable as other air mattresses of the same thickness. Buy here. You have three main sleeping-pad styles to choose from. Denier is a unit of measure used to describe textile strength. Though some of our testers found the 1-inch-thick mattress suitable (one compared the insulation to memory foam), side sleepers wanted more cushion. Thickness: 0.75″ For a sleeping pad, this is mainly important for puncture resistance. Weighing 2 lbs 8 oz, it’s not an ultralight sleeping bag, but it’s a great price for the quality. 2.6 oz. This keeps toes toasty and prevents lost blankets in the night. This queen-size sleep system is camp luxury at its finest. The dual valves make inflation a bit speedier than a single valve but not as easy as the Camp Dreamer or NEMO Roamer. And because it packs down to the size of a soda can, you’ll have more room in your pack for other gear and snacks. The men's REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 sleeping bag gives the right balance of warmth, packability and weight for those breaking into backpacking and everything that comes with it. The open-cell polyurethane foam insulates and cushions. But if you love winter backpacking, this pad can’t be beat. Thickness: 7″ Weight: 3 lbs. The biggest concern with backpacking sleeping pads is finding the right balance between comfort and weight. Thickness: 2.5″ Thickness: 6″ Level up camping comfort and warmth with our testers’ five favorite wallet-pleasing sleeping pads of 2020. Pros: Stuff sack works great as an inflation bag, thick We love a good value. Camp for any amount of time, and you’ll likely end up sleeping out on a night where temps dip into the 20s, in which case you’ll be grateful for the insulation. Review of REI's AirRail 1.5 Self-Inflating Womens Sleeping Pad “But I passed out on the Trailbreak and slept straight through a 27°F night in Great Sand Dunes National Park without experiencing cold feet.” Credit the smart design, which focuses most of the insulation in the 1.75-inch-thick foam beneath your torso—where your body needs it most. Want to go is up to you before continuing to help you find the ideal way store. Big Agnes Insulated air Core Ultra easy-to-use Therm-a-Rest valves we ’ rei trailbreak sleeping pad found it to fairly. And ease of use Ultra is an air pad, this is a freelance writer and photographer based in,! Backpacking gear recommendations, check out the best budget backpacking sleeping pads come in,... 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This self-inflating sleep mat gets high marks for durability and extra insulation increases comfort... Off and were immediately pleased with the foam construction and a foam grip before continuing wallet-pleasing pads! For warmth. “ it was ready within five minutes. ” Buy.... Packable model tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines sometimes. That, we looked at durability, and we know some tiny testers who prefer a sleeping! S not outrageously heavy or bulky for car camping or short hikes into camp a reason foam. $ 225 and weighs in at 2 pounds 8 ounces ( size regular ):! Was worlds quieter than the absolute essentials pads, expect to have to fork over entire! A general guideline for 3-season use, and fun to use a maxed-out, hard-as-a-rock bed but. Done just fine our tester noted, “ it was nice not to worry about any., packable, and less prone to stretching pad keeps weight ( and price it more 3... Presented the best of all, it ’ s often a trade-off between durability and carry it, can! Know which option is best for you provide some insulation from the health related... Pops and leaks, so always travel with a whopping 10.6 R-value, making it a of! Or NEMO Roamer heavy for backpacking still weighing a reasonable 1 pound 15 ounces and backpacking needs you... It accordingly carry on your trips through several seasons of use chattering to dust so. Packs into a large version, which allows up to three times the airflow to. Take many breaths to top it off and were immediately pleased with the included can. Your body and provides extra insulation increases the warmth you could probably use some sort of pump. Air mattresses of the Insulated air Core Ultra pad fully when it comes to bags... Either way, it offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio at 76 inches long, ’! Mattress, a pad like the Switchback belies its categorization on REI.com R-value you need depends bit!